[mustang.biz]

Really sorry to start yet another compressor thread, but I'm about to pull the trigger on a compressor, and am confused as to the difference between these two units:

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60...sor-93274.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60...sor-55391.html

The guy at my local HF was useless and they didn't have both in stock for me to do a side-by-side comparison.

I am assuming based on the price difference the 93274 is the U.S. made one that everyone seems to like and 55391 is a china version.

Any insight?

[oldred]

They are both the same but the cheaper one is a factory recondition version. "Factory Recondition" usually does not mean they have simply overhauled an old worn out compressor but rather it means it was returned to the factory for some reason while still under warranty. This could mean it was bought by someone and there was a factory defect they have repaired but most often they are damaged in shipping or at the store, sometimes it involves nothing more than repainting. Whatever the repair you can be sure they have not reconditioned parts but have simply replaced the defective part with a new one. They have the same warranty as the "new" unit and may represent a significant savings. This is not the first time HF has offered the reconditioned compressors, seems they do it every few years and when they do the things sell out fast! You may not want to chance buying one and I am certainly not suggesting you do instead of the "New" unit but rather I was just pointing out they are not worn out compressors that have been simply overhauled.


BTW, yes that is the USA built Belaire compressor and they are a bargain whichever way you decide to go.

[mustang.biz]

Originally Posted by oldred

They are both the same but the cheaper one is a factory recondition version.

Aha! I see that now. They list them at different weights which was really throwing me off...

Thanks!

[oldred]

It's been a couple of years since they had the reconditioned models available and I doubt they have enough customer returns to have such a program on a regular basis. I am only guessing but they may have sat out the weather, been involved in some sort of transportation incident or some other reason to be marred from a new condition so they get returned to the factory for whatever repairs might be necessary. I am basing that thought on a place locally that sells such "Damaged" items (he has a lot of Craftsman stuff) and he explained that is how most of it ends up being sold as reconditioned.

[mustang.biz]

Thanks for the info oldred.

Considering the extra cost of shipping, I just went ahead and bought a new one from the store. I have an electrician coming over tomorrow to get the 220 hooked up.

I am not certain about placement, do you have any advice for a temporary but stable way of securing it? I don't want it bouncing around but would like to avoid concrete anchors for the time being. Maybe just a fairly big piece of plywood and isolation pads to keep it stable?

Also, for isolation pads, I've read everything from hockey pucks to old cut up tires to items sold for the specific purpose. Any advice on what is good or what to avoid?

Thanks a million for all the good advice, can't wait to start blasting!

[oldred]

The suggestions you have been given are good and also a lot of guys just mount them on pine 2x4s or 2x6s laid flat on the floor. However you do it you should anchor it to the floor although I think you will find that compressor will not tend to move around much if at all.

[mustang.biz]

Got it wired up and flipped it on to test it. As you said, almost no vibration, it is surprisingly stable.

I'm going to put it on a 3/4" plywood piece with cut tire for vibration dampening for now since it isn't going to get a lot of use for a little while.

Will get it bolted soon. I bought the HF pressure regulator/filter combo to get me started, going to attach it with a 2' 1/2" hose

I got this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-air-...uge-68281.html

Thanks again for all of the advice.

I thought this one looked poorly made:

http://www.harborfreight.com/industr...tor-68247.html

[matt167]

Actually the botom unit has a decent filter/ canister, but the regulator isn't great.

[39chevy]

Shifting gears a little, BUT, I added a 2 stage pump to my single stage, and everything is set to go except the Copper Pipe connection from pump to tank! I have to make one or buy one! Does it have to be copper, if so I need it to be flared of course, one end is larger fitting then the other end because I added larger pump. Where do you get these things made? Any suggestions would be great, thanks again, Dana

[DRS50]

I had one of the bottom filter regulators and the regulator gave out and leaked air like crazy in about a week. Took it back to HF and got my money back and bought a DeVelbis and have been using it for 2 years and no problems.